an anagram of the words "alternate" and "contrarian", typically, one who seeks and cites any reason, no matter how obscure, to be contrary and/or to disparage others, and often uses that reasoning to edify oneself in contrast
charming

Bill won't come to the company party because of the gift exchange. He says there is something in a David Icke book about gift exchanges and devil worship and he refuses to lower himself like the rest of us. I think he is being quite an altairien.